Turkish Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı unmanned aerial vehicles are planned to be equipped with SUNGUR air-to-air missiles. This was announced by Haluk Bayraktar during the defense fair in Istanbul. Baykar company hopes that such a solution will help take down enemy drones.

During the SAHA Expo, a contract was signed between the Turkish missile giant Roketsan and Baykar for the integration of the Sungur anti-aircraft missile.

“Soon, our Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı will have air-to-air missiles that will defeat not only UAVs but also other aircraft, we are conducting our tests.“, said Haluk Bayraktar.

Integrating such missiles into Turkish attack aircraft could lead to a low-cost air patrol concept. According to Haluk Bayraktar, Iranian UAVs are slow, noisy and fly at low altitudes, making them easy targets.

SUNGUR

In July 2022, the Turkish army received the first batch of SUNGUR anti-aircraft missile systems. For many, the Turkish MANPAD is associated with the Stinger MANPAD as it was Roketsan’s first product, the licensed Stinger missile.

Despite this, it is stated that the Turkish anti-aircraft complex is equipped with advanced functions. At the heart of SUNGUR is a missile from the portable anti-aircraft missile complex of Turkish-made Portable Defense (PorSav).

The complex can detect targets day and night. It can identify and track a target. Equipped with Imagining Infrared Seeker (IIR) technology, the missile has a high target engagement rate. It is stated that the anti-aircraft complex has a maximum range of 8 kilometers.